How Russians Celebrate Christmas Through the Eyes of an American (with video).

How Russians Celebrate Christmas

Christmas in Russia is a special time of year, filled with unique traditions that blend ancient pagan customs with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While many Westerners associate Christmas with December 25th, Russians celebrate it on January 7th, following the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church . This date corresponds to December 25th on the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar most commonly used in the West .

The origins of Christmas in Russia can be traced back to the 10th century when Prince Vladimir converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity . This event marked the beginning of a rich history of Christmas celebrations in Russia, though these traditions were largely suppressed during the Soviet era . The Soviet government actively discouraged religious practices, including Christmas, and promoted New Year's Day as the primary holiday . However, many traditional Christmas customs survived, often being incorporated into New Year's celebrations .

One of the most prominent Russian Christmas traditions is the "Nativity Fast," a period of forty days leading up to Christmas Eve . During this time, many Russians abstain from meat and dairy products, culminating in a special meal on Christmas Eve known as "The Holy Supper" . This meal is symbolic, with a white tablecloth representing Christ's swaddling clothes and hay representing the poverty of his birthplace . A tall white candle placed in the center of the table symbolizes the light of Christ .

The celebration of Christmas Eve, called "Sachyelnik" in Russia, is marked by the appearance of the first star in the sky . This star symbolizes the star that guided the Magi to the newborn Christ . Once the star appears, the fast is broken with a meal that includes traditional dishes like "sochivo," a porridge made from grains, seeds, honey, and nuts . This meal is a symbol of the end of the Nativity Fast and the beginning of the Christmas celebration .

Christmas in Russia is a time for family and loved ones to come together . Families gather to exchange gifts, sing carols, and enjoy traditional Christmas foods . While Christmas is still celebrated in Russia, it is often overshadowed by New Year's Day, which remains the most important holiday in the country . Nevertheless, the unique blend of ancient pagan customs and Orthodox Christian traditions makes Christmas in Russia a truly special and memorable celebration.

Reading Summary

• Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, which corresponds to December 25th on the Gregorian calendar.

• Christmas traditions in Russia blend ancient pagan customs with Orthodox Christian practices, including a forty-day fast leading up to Christmas Eve and a special meal called "The Holy Supper."

• While Christmas is still celebrated in Russia, it is often overshadowed by New Year's Day, which remains the most important holiday in the country.

Term

Definition

Example Sentence

suppressed (verb)

To put an end to something, often forcefully or by preventing it from being expressed or seen.

The government attempted to suppress the protests by sending in riot police.

incorporated (verb)

To include something as part of a larger whole.

The new features were incorporated into the latest version of the software.

culminating (verb)

To reach a high point or climax.

The weeks of training culminated in a thrilling championship game.

symbolic (adjective)

Representing something else, often something abstract or intangible.

The dove is a symbolic representation of peace.

abstain (verb)

To refrain from doing something, especially something enjoyable or tempting.

During Lent, many people abstain from eating meat.

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Why is Christmas celebrated on January 7th in Russia?

What is the significance of the 'Nativity Fast' in Russian Christmas traditions?

What is the symbolic meaning of the 'sochivo' porridge eaten on Christmas Eve?

A. Because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar.

B. Because the Russian government made it a national holiday.

C. Because it is a more convenient date for families to gather.

D. Because it is a more festive time of year in Russia.

A. It is a period of fasting that prepares people for the celebration of Christmas.

B. It is a time for families to exchange gifts and sing carols.

C. It is a time for people to reflect on the importance of the New Year.

D. It is a time for people to celebrate the end of the Soviet era.

A. It represents the gifts brought by the Magi to the newborn Christ.

B. It symbolizes the end of the Nativity Fast and the beginning of the Christmas celebration.

C. It represents the traditional food of the Russian people.

D. It symbolizes the poverty of Christ's birthplace.

Question #1

What is the historical event that led to the introduction of Christmas in Russia?

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Question #2

How did the Soviet government influence the celebration of Christmas in Russia?

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Question #3

What is the significance of the first star appearing in the sky on Christmas Eve in Russia?

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Question #1

The text describes how Christmas traditions in Russia have been influenced by both religious beliefs and historical events. Think about a holiday you celebrate. How have its traditions been shaped by your family's history, cultural background, or religious beliefs?

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Question #2

The text mentions that many Russians abstain from certain foods during the Nativity Fast. Have you ever participated in a fast or a period of self-denial for religious or personal reasons? How did this experience impact you?

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Question #3

The text highlights the importance of family and togetherness during Christmas in Russia. Reflect on a time when you celebrated a holiday with your family. What made this experience special and how did it strengthen your family bonds?

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